March 20, 2013: Player Loyalty

Bill Fine, WCVB-TV President and General Manager

What do you say to the gutsy player who set the New England Patriots' team record for receptions?

So long, Wes.

How about the fan favorite who played much bigger than his 5-8 height?

Enjoy the West Coast, Danny.

This year’s active NFL's free agency period is largely driven by salary caps - a harsh reminder that fans best not become emotionally attached to their favorite players, only to the teams they represent. And that's no surprise.

On the field, players and coaches fight for titles.

But off the field, it's all about the money. Professional sports are hard-nosed businesses where players and owners fight over, and divvy up, a large pool of cash. Fans are often left bemoaning the end result. Sometimes that means welcome new stars for a struggling franchise--as it did years back when Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen suddenly became Celtics and championship flag #17 soon followed.

Wes Welker and Danny Woodhead are just the latest in a long line of treasured Patriot players who departed New England in their prime. Tom Brady - the consistent face of the Patriots franchise and Paul Pierce – a Celtics lifer, so far, are the exception not the rule.

No one should weep for the players or owners, it’s just business.

In the world of today’s professional leagues only the jerseys stay forever and the best advice is to root for the name on the front, not the back. Otherwise, you are guaranteed to be disappointed and that's a loss for fans everywhere.